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The Great Wildebeest Migration in Tanzania

Photo credit: Daniel Rosengren

Photo credit: Daniel Rosengren

The Great Wildebeest Migration is considered by many to be “The Greatest Show on Earth”. 1.5 million wildebeest make their way across Tanzania’s Serengeti National Park and Kenya’s Masai Mara National Reserve, in search of fresh grazing and some say, of better quality water. The migration takes place throughout the year with each stage presenting good reasons to visit. Hence, it is more important to know where to be and what to expect versus when is a good time to go.

In November, the wildebeest arrive at the short-grass plains of Serengenti, where they graze with their zebra companions. In February, the females birth their calves and the concentrated herds attract predators like lions, cheetahs and hyenas to the scene. In April, the wildebeest begin migrating north, accompanied by hundreds of thousands of zebra and gazelle. Many feel the best time to catch this breathtaking spectacle would be the July-September period, when the herds cross the Mara River and Kogatende River in rapid, magnificent chaos.

Photo credit: CNN.com

The herd movements have only been tracked for the past 10 years and as with all wildlife adventures, can be unpredictable. Hence, the best way to stay in the thick of all the action is to use mobile camps that relocate seasonally to stick with the migration. These camps range from simple and light tents to luxurious “glamping” experiences. Whichever you choose, the priority would be to find an experienced guide with a reliable 4×4 for optimal game viewing experience.